5 Free Agents the Golden Knights Should Target

The Vegas Golden Knights are rarely afraid to make a splash in free agency, but this summer may require a different approach. After a run to the Stanley Cup Final this season and several roster changes already, general manager Kelly McCrimmon will have to be selective in how he uses the club’s remaining salary cap space when the market opens on July 1.

Don’t expect Vegas to sit on the sidelines, though. They’ve always found value in experienced veterans willing to sign shorter-term deals for another opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. Rather than chasing the biggest names available, management is more likely to target players who fill specific needs and complement an already talented, established core.

According to PuckPedia, the Golden Knights have roughly $7.3 million in projected cap space entering free agency, meaning they’re unlikely to be major players for the top names on the market. Instead, Vegas will look for short-term, value contracts that address specific roster needs while maintaining flexibility throughout the offseason. Here are five realistic free-agent targets who could make sense for the Golden Knights.

Anthony Mantha Could Be Worth Another Look

Reunions aren’t always successful. However, Anthony Mantha could be an exception. Mantha never had a chance to establish himself in Vegas, playing just 18 games before signing with the Calgary Flames on July 1, 2024.

At his best, Mantha brings a combination of size, finishing ability and offensive instincts that could fit well with new head coach Ryan Craig. He’s capable of playing on either wing, can contribute on the power play and has produced multiple 20-goal seasons throughout his career. Coming off a stellar season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 33 goals and 31 assists over 81 games, he might be looking for a bigger contract, but it could be worth the gamble. However, if he’s willing to sign a one or two-year deal worth around $2 million to $3 million annually, he could fit comfortably within Vegas’ remaining cap space.

Michael Bunting Would Add Secondary Scoring With Edge

If Vegas wants to replace some of the offense they lost after trading Pavel Dorofeyev, they could consider signing Michael Bunting. He has built a reputation as an aggravating player to play against and who consistently produces offense around the net. He’s willing to battle in high-traffic areas, draws penalties, and has shown he can keep up with skilled forwards while still bringing a physical edge.

The Golden Knights have long valued players who are difficult to play against, and Bunting fits the bill. He wouldn’t need to carry a scoring line, but he could provide reliable middle-six production while making opposing defensemen’s jobs harder. His ask may be slightly higher than others, but if it settles in the $3 million to $4 million range, the team could certainly justify the investment assuming he can consistently produce that middle-six offense.

Vladimir Tarasenko Could Be a Low-Risk Offensive Addition

While Vladimir Tarasenko is no longer the perennial 30-goal scorer he once was, he remains an option for contending teams looking for scoring depth. His shot remains dangerous, particularly on the power play, and he has extensive playoff experience, winning Cups with both the St. Louis Blues and the Florida Panthers.

Rather than asking him to drive a top line, Vegas could deploy him in sheltered offensive situations where his scoring instincts remain valuable. If he is willing to accept a short-term, incentive-friendly contract, Tarasenko would be a great addition to the team.

Carson Soucy Could Strengthen the Blue Line

So much of the attention has been on forwards, but adding another reliable defenseman shouldn’t be ruled out. Carson Soucy offers the type of steady defensive presence the Golden Knights have prioritized throughout their history. At 6-foot-5, he uses his size effectively, kills penalties, and has experience playing meaningful minutes on playoff teams.

Even if Vegas enters next season confident in its current defensive group, injuries have consistently tested the organization’s depth. Bringing in another dependable veteran would provide insurance while creating healthy internal competition. Soucy may not be a headline generator, but sometimes a practical addition like this is needed. If he is able to settle around that $2-to-$3 million range annually, he would be a great defensive depth option without eating up Vegas’ remaining cap space.

Anders Lee Could Be a Veteran Fit

Anders Lee may be the most difficult to sign, but he would also be one of the best fits on this list. Lee has been one of the league’s strongest net-front forwards throughout his career. His leadership, physicality, and ability to score around the crease align closely with the identity Vegas has established for itself.

Even as he’s entering the later stages of his career, Lee remains an effective two-way winger capable of contributing in a middle-six role. He wouldn’t be expected to carry the offense, but he could provide leadership while continuing to create offense in front of opposing goaltenders. Signing him will depend on his contract demands, but if Lee prioritizes joining another Stanley Cup contender on a reasonable short-term deal, the Golden Knights should be an attractive destination.

McCrimmon has never been afraid to make bold moves, but this year’s free-agent class may call for patience instead of fireworks. With most of their core already under contract, the priority should be bolstering the roster rather than overhauling it. Whether that’s by adding another middle-six scorer, boosting the blue line, or adding another experienced veteran, the Golden Knights have several realistic avenues to improve without sacrificing future flexibility.